16 weeks old, can't sleep longer than an hour at night without waking fo milk

[Wineandpopcorn]

Just posting for support as I am starting to become really despondent . My 16 week old is such a bad sleeper, she only cat naps in the day, and generally sleeps an hour at a time at night before waking for a bottle. She has reflux and is on omeprazole and domperidone. I can't see an end to this, as if anything her sleep has got worse since she was a newborn, she used to go at least 4 hours sometimes then . Shes really high maintenance, needs constant cuddling in the day, which is hard as I have 2 other children. She feeds every 2 hours In the day.

Does anyone else have a baby like this? Does it get better? I love her to bits but it's really hard!!

[manateeandcake]

Hi Wine, I'm afraid I don't have any magic solutions (I doubt whether anyone does), but I do empathise. DS is just 5 months and his sleep has been getting progressively worse over the past few weeks. His latest thing is waking roughly every hour through the night, then at 4 or 5 for at least an hour of chatting and needing constant attention before he'll drop off again. I'm also feeling despondent this morning after another bad night. We have one other DC who is a very early waker, which means DH and I are both zombies.

4 - 5 months is a period where loads of really crucial developmental stuff is happening -- physically, neurologically and emotionally. It makes sense that babies need extra reassurance and cuddles at this age. I try to remind myself that every time I'm there when DS needs me, I'm laying the foundations for a secure and happy personality. That said, we have to look after ourselves as well and that's the bit I'm finding really hard.

It will get better, that's for certain. It's really tough not knowing when. But it will.

[stellak9]

It's leap 4 of wonder weeks, my baby boy is also 16 weeks and went from sleeping 3-4hrs to waking up every hour. And always catnaps. The leap ends at aprx 19-20 weeks so lets wait and see.

[BiscuitBeast]

4 month sleep regression - DH and I remember it vividly with DS. As mentioned ^ there is a lot happening at this stage, sadly sleep is not. I seem to recall parenting being really really tough for about 6-8 weeks until DS came out the leap (Wonder Weeks - well worth downloading the App).
My only advice is it WILL get better and she will get back to her routine as you know it. In the meantime be kind to yourself and rest when you can but just go with the flow. It's a phase that won't last forever and you are not alone.
DH and I welcomed DD in January this year and already mentally preparing for the 4 month sleep regression!

[BiscuitBeast]

Also I'll add that DD too is high maintenance! 7 weeks in and she's only slept in my arms at night - she's had a quick try of her Snuzpod but is utterly enraged by it
Enjoys napping in the sling for 40-50 minute periods during the day or my arms. Makes life difficult looking after 2.5yr old DS but somehow I seem to be managing. I've temporarily lowered my standards for the next 6-12 months. So long as children and DH are fed, watered and happy everything else can just slide for a while x

[Wineandpopcorn]

I have downloaded the wonder weeks app! I just hope it starts to get better soon, it doesn't help that everyone else's baby the same age on my antenatal groups Facebook page seem to be sleeping through and not experiencing this!!

[Crazyqueenofthecatladies]

Sounds like cmpi to me, assuming the dosages have kept pace with weight gain so are high enough both omeprazole and domperidone should be alleviating the reflux. BUT they are ineffective if the food allergen responsible for causing the heartburn is still in the diet, they aren't miracle workers. I'd be looking at dairy and soya in baby's diet, or yours if you're breastfeeding, and would try eliminating both to see if you get your life back. We did X X

[Wineandpopcorn]

That's interesting Crazy, as her medicine has just been increased again and she's still terrible . I will read up about it thank you